The fabulous village, Olympos [Not Available]

4 (1 Review)
Pigadia Harbor
From: 30,00€
4
(1 review)
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Duration

~ 10 hours

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

50 people

Languages

___

About this tour

Closed for the Season
Thank you for a wonderful season! This experience is now closed and will be available again next season. We look forward to welcoming you back!


Day Trip to Olympos Village

Journey to a Living Mountain Village Preserved in Time
Weekly Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday | May 1 – October 20 2026
Tour Start Location: Pigadia Harbor
Board: 08:15 | Departure: 08:30| Return: ~ 18:00 | Duration: ~ 10 hours
Base Price: Adults: €35.00 | Children: €17.50 | Infants (<2): Fee (no ticket required)

Discover the wilder, more authentic side of Karpathos on a full-day eco-cultural adventure to the legendary village of Olympos. Your journey begins with a scenic boat ride along the untouched northern coastline, where steep cliffs and hidden coves reveal the island’s raw natural beauty.

Arriving in the remote harbor of Diafani, you’ll travel by mountain road to Olympos — a traditional village perched high above the sea and steeped in centuries-old customs. Here, sustainability isn’t a trend, it’s a way of life. Windmills still turn with the breeze, chapels are carved into stone, and families preserve the old ways — from intricate embroidery to handmade musical instruments.

Explore the village with a local guide and get an up-close look at Karpathian traditions that have endured for generations. You’ll visit the cultural museum, meet artisans and locals dressed in traditional attire, and experience the spirit of a community that honors its roots.

At lunchtime, you’ll have the chance to taste the island’s culinary heritage — from fresh-baked breads and handmade pasta to locally sourced vegetables and herbs grown in the mountain air. These meals are more than delicious — they’re an edible story of Karpathos.

⚠️ Please note: Meals anywhere on this tour are not included in the price you pay. Guests are expected to cover their own food and drink expenses on this tour.

Before heading back, enjoy a swim in Diafani’s crystal-clear waters or drop by the Protected Area Information Centre to learn about the island’s rare ecosystems, migratory species, and conservation efforts. This is not just a tour — it’s an immersion into the heart and soul of sustainable island living.

Highlights

  • Scenic boat ride along the northern coast of Karpathos
  • Visit to the picturesque harbor of Diafani
  • Discover ancient churches and functioning windmills
  • Meet local women in traditional dress and skilled village craftsmen
  • Explore the Cultural Museum of Olympos
  • Traditional lunch in a mountain tavern (optional)
  • Swim and relax by the sea in Diafani
  • Visit the Protected Area Information Centre and learn about local wildlife

Included/Excluded

  • Round-trip boat ride from Karpathos Harbor to Diafani.
  • Bus transfer from Diafani to Olympos and back.
  • Optional visit to the Cultural Museum of Olympos. The visit is not part of any organized activity of this tour. Visiting it is an option you have during your free time in Olympos.
  • Free time for lunch, exploration, and swimming.
  • Optional visit to the Protected Area Information Centre. The visit is not part of any organized activity of this tour. Visiting it is an option you have during your free time in Diafani.
  • Transportation to and from Pigadia Port is not included.
  • No tour guide available on this tour.
  • Food and drinks during the tour are not included.

Itinerary

08:15: Board the boat

Board the boat at the island’s main harbor and set off on a scenic cruise along the untamed northern coastline. Please note that all travelers must be at Pigadia Harbor no later than 8:15 am. 

08:30: Departure from Pigadia

Set off on a scenic cruise along the untamed northern coastline. Enjoy views of dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and hidden beaches as you make your way toward the remote harbor of Diafani.

10:15: Arrival at Diafani Port

Step ashore at the peaceful fishing village of Diafani. Here, your bus will be waiting to transport you up the mountainside to one of the most culturally rich destinations in the Dodecanese.

10:30: Scenic Bus Ride to Olympos

Ascend through lush hills and winding mountain roads with panoramic views over the Aegean Sea. The drive offers a perfect introduction to the island’s rugged landscape and natural beauty.

11:00: Olympos Exploration Time

Arrive in Olympos — a village where time stands still. Stroll through narrow stone pathways lined with vividly painted houses, visit ancient chapels, and see traditional windmills still turning in the mountain breeze.
Get ready to experience local women in traditional dress and artisan craftsmen who continue centuries-old practices like boot-making and instrument carving.

12:15: Suggestive Visit: The Cultural Museum of Olympos

Explore a small yet fascinating museum filled with historical artifacts, handmade tools, textiles, and items of daily life that reflect the deep cultural heritage of the village.

13:00: Free Time & Optional Traditional Lunch

Relax and take in the mountain air as you enjoy free time to dine at a traditional local taverna. Watch as meals are prepared with time-honored techniques using locally grown ingredients — from hand-rolled pasta to slow-cooked meats and wild herbs.

⚠️ Please note: Meals anywhere on this tour are not included in the price you pay. Guests are expected to cover their own food and drink expenses on this tour.

14:30: Bus Transfer Back to Diafani

After lunch, descend once more to the seaside village of Diafani. The return ride gives one last look at the breathtaking landscape between mountain and sea.

15:00: Free Time in Diafani / Optional Visit to Protected Area Information Centre

Use this time to swim in the crystal-clear waters just steps from the harbor or explore the Information Centre dedicated to the island’s flora, fauna, and protected marine and mountain ecosystems.

16:30: Reboard the Boat for Return Journey

Set sail south as the golden light of late afternoon dances across the sea. Enjoy a peaceful cruise back to the capital, reflecting on the day’s discoveries.

18:00: Arrival Back at Karpathos Harbor

Disembark with a deeper appreciation for the traditions, nature, and quiet majesty of Northern Karpathos.

Frequently asked questions

No, there is no professional tour guide available on this tour.

The duration of this tour is approximately 10 hours from departure to arrival at Pigadia harbor.

No. This tour operates seasonally, running from May 1st to October 15th. During this period the boat operates conducting this tour daily except Tuesdays.

This tour is available for booking on Friday each week between May 1st 2025 and October 15th 2025. Please book your tour at least 24 hours prior to the tour's start date and time. 

The vessel used for this excursion depends on the day of the week you have booked:

  • Tuesdays: Kapetan Nikolis
  • Wednesdays: Chrysovalandou 3
  • Thursdays: Kapetan Nikolis
  • Saturdays: Chrysovalandou 3
  • Sundays: Chrysovalandou 3

Your booking confirmation email will indicate which vessel is scheduled to operate your excursion. Please ensure you board the correct vessel upon arrival at Pigadia Harbor.

In the unlikely event that the scheduled vessel changes due to operational or weather-related reasons, you will be informed in advance by Karpathos Travel.

The boat departs from Pigadia Harbor, also referred to as Karpathos Harbor.

No, transportation to and from Pigadia Harbor is not provided. Guests must arrange their own transport to the departure point.

Yes! Children are welcome on this tour, and those under 2 years old may join for free. However, please keep in mind that the village of Olympos has cobblestone paths and some uphill walking.

This tour involves moderate walking through the traditional village, including uneven surfaces and some inclines. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and being prepared for a bit of light hiking.

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Swimwear and towel
  • Sunscreen and a hat
  • Water and light snacks (optional)
  • A camera or smartphone for capturing the scenery
  • Valid photo ID
  • Swimwear and towel Water shoes
  • Snorkel and mask
  • Sunscreen and a hat
  • Snacks and drinking water, as opportunities to purchase supplies are extremely limited during the tour
  • Cash and any other essentials for a day out in the sun

Even though snacks and drinks are not included in the price of this tour, you will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at one of the traditional tavernas in Olympos. This is a great chance to taste authentic Karpathian cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients. Other than Olympos, the village of Diafani features several restaurants and cafes for a quick snack during your arrival and departure from Northern Karpathos. Finally a small snack bar is available on the boat to and from Olympos featuring light snacks and drinks.

Meals are not included in the tour price. Guests on this tour are expected to cover their own food and drink expenses.

Yes! You’ll have free time in Diafani in the afternoon where you can swim at the local beach. Don’t forget to bring your swimwear, towel, and sun protection.

Yes. While in Diafani, you can visit the Information Centre of the Protected Area of Karpathos, where you’ll learn about the island’s rare species, ecosystems, and conservation efforts.

We request the name, age, phone number, and email for each individual participating. If someone doesn’t have an email or phone, you may provide the contact details of the person making the booking.

Tickets are sent via email after your order is processed. Please check your inbox (and spam folder) for confirmation. You must present your booking confirmation along with valid identification for all participants prior to boarding the boat.

You may cancel your booking up to 48 hours before the scheduled departure for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance are non-refundable.

Tour's Location

Pigadia Harbor

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1 review on this Tour - Showing 1 to 1
The fabulous village, Olympos [Not Available]
Pinja
27/09/2026

Destination 2/5, way there 5/5

Olympos was a basic tourist attraction with the same items to sell as is Pigadia but with ”Olympos-extra” on the price. Some of the shops had a little too aggressive style trying to sell their products and it felt like a scam. Sailing Pigadia-Diafani-Pigadia with Chrysovalandou III was amazing! Boat was big and ride was steady. Enough seating on sundeck and inside. You can buy some snacks on the boat. Checking to the trip as an intependent traveller (not with TUI-group or other travel agency) was little confusing but we made it. As whole, the trips by boat were worth the money. I was just happy to get to sail on a boat. Destination was beautiful but felt too staged to tourists. Trip had many travelagency-groups and it made a trip little confusing. Thanks to Nikos, who was helping us with the bus and wherr to be and when.
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From: 30,00€
4 (1 Review)

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Travel Karpathos

Member Since 2023

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